Saturday, 30 June 2018

30th June 2018 - Polar Bears and Provincial Meetings

Thought for the day :"I don't care what you think of me - I don't think of you at all" (coco chanel)
John Lawler poses this problem :

In 1252, The King of Denmark (either Abel or Christopher I), presented Henry III with a "white bear", which was kept in the menagerie at the Tower of London. and frequently taken to swim in the Thames (from Bear Wharf?). To prevent it getting mislaid, it was attached to a chain (or possibly a strong rope) held by a dozen "stout fellows", who, at the end of the exercise period, would haul it out of the water.

What I want to know is: given the size and the uncertain temperament of Polar Bears, and the fact that they can sprint at about 25mph, which way did seniority run along the chain (was the senior man in the place of honour at the front, or was he shouting from the back?)
Also, did the men face the bear (as in long- or short-drag hauling, or have their backs to it (as in a stamp-and-go, which would give the faster runners a a chance)?

I also heard an interesting quote from W Bro Elfan Bell GLO - in discussion about the ritual for the Red Cross of Constantine... he said the ritual was sort of like Rose Croix on Speed .. with a bit of latin thrown in ...

About Me

From the frozen wastes of Northern Norsca, Vollsanger was a Skald of the old tradition - a Bard who was well schooled in the ancient songs and epic tales.

Coming out of the Skadi Mountains one day - he found the Crimson Moon Tavern in a glade with many strange people who had travelled great distances to meet up. The War Host!

Selling a song for a copper - writing songs on demand and entertaining the peoples of the factions. Vollsanger faces new challenges... LARP Awards Bard of the Year 2018. LARP & Re-enactment Skald.Guest Bard at the Conquest of Mythodea in Germany